Melbourne’s Night Network is Staying

Two million trips were made during the trial of the overnight services.

Photography: Brook James

Published on 24 April 2017

by Gabrielle Mizzi

Twenty-four-hour, weekend-long public transport has been confirmed for Melbourne after a successful year-long trial. The night trains, trams, buses and regional coaches will help 70 per cent of Melburnians get within one kilometre of their homes after midnight every weekend.

The trial demonstrated the potential to improve safety, accessibility and cost-effectiveness for late-night workers and revellers across Melbourne.

Nearly 10,000 Myki touch-ons were recorded in just the first weekend of the late-night trial. By the end of the trial, that number had grown to an average of 35,000. These numbers don’t account for trips within the free tram zone, trips made by Myki pass holders and fare evaders (don’t be one).

Because of the Night Network’s success the scheme is being made permanent.

Commuters can continue using the following services:

• Trains departing from Flinders Street Station every hour on all lines (except for the Stony Point and Flemington Racecourse extensions).
• Tram services on six routes: 19, 67, 75, 86, 96 and 109.
• Buses (replacing NightRider services) on 21 routes, half of which depart from the CBD and half from outer-suburban stations
• Regional V/Line coach services departing from Southern Cross Station at 2am for Bendigo, Ballarat, Traralgon and Geelong.

The scheme is estimated to cost almost $200 million over the next four years.